What is Lodging Link, and who is the supplier for Best Western franchisees?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are also currently required to purchase Lodging Link, a product offered by Comtrol Corporation that provides connectivity and integration of the PMS into other guest and hotel service systems (e.g. Call Accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, Key Card, etc.). We are the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects your PMS software system to our hotel software system. We are also the only approved supplier of distribution system photographs that must be taken of the Property and certain other distribution services disclosed in Item 6. We, AutoClerk and Comtrol Corporation are the only approved suppliers of certain PMS-related installation, maintenance and licensing, and you will be required to make payments to us/AutoClerk for those services.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 61–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Lodging Link is a product that provides connectivity and integration of the Property Management System (PMS) into other guest and hotel service systems, such as call accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, and key card systems.
The document specifies that Comtrol Corporation is the supplier of Lodging Link. Best Western franchisees are required to purchase Lodging Link from Comtrol Corporation. Best Western is identified as the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects the franchisee's PMS software system to Best Western's hotel software system. Best Western is also the only approved supplier of distribution system photographs that must be taken of the property and certain other distribution services disclosed in Item 6.
Best Western, AutoClerk, and Comtrol Corporation are the only approved suppliers of certain PMS-related installation, maintenance, and licensing, and franchisees are required to make payments to Best Western and/or AutoClerk for those services. This means that franchisees do not have the option to choose other suppliers for these specific products and services, which could impact their costs and operational flexibility.